Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) remains one of the most influential figures in Nigerian history, leaving an enduring legacy as Premier of the Western Region. His final years as Premier saw a concentrated effort to establish long-lasting achievements that continue to shape the region today.
Awolowo played a pivotal role in founding and fostering significant economic and industrial development in Western Nigeria. Among his notable contributions was the establishment of the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) in 1958. This corporation served as a financial backbone for several large-scale ventures aimed at boosting the regional economy. His government promoted agricultural expansion, with over 20,517 acres of plantations developed in collaboration with cooperative societies. These plantations included essential crops like cocoa, rubber, oil palm, and cashew, contributing to the agricultural wealth of the region.
Through the WNDC, Awolowo spearheaded the creation of numerous industries that positioned Western Nigeria as an industrial hub. Some of the major corporations he facilitated include WAPCO for cement production at Ewekoro, Nigerite Ltd for asbestos and roofing materials, and several banking institutions like National Bank and Wema Bank. These ventures were part of Awolowo’s broader plan to ensure industrial self-sufficiency and provide employment opportunities, all of which were achieved without the benefit of oil revenue.
Additionally, Awolowo’s industrial drive included setting up some of the largest industrial estates in Ibadan, Lagos (Oba Akran Axis), and Ilupeju, which housed over 120 factories. These factories were engaged in diverse manufacturing activities ranging from textile production to aluminum, cables, and tyres, with companies like Nigeria Textile Mills and Dunlop Tyres operating on a large scale.
In terms of infrastructure, Awolowo's administration was responsible for the development of the Cocoa House, which for decades stood as the tallest building in West Africa. He also commissioned Liberty Stadium, the most modern stadium in Africa at the time, and established the Western Nigeria Television and Broadcasting Service, the first of its kind on the continent.
One of Awolowo’s most lauded achievements was his introduction of free primary education, a revolutionary policy in Nigeria at the time. This policy significantly increased literacy rates and laid the foundation for a more educated population. His focus on human capital development also extended to healthcare, with the establishment of general hospitals and dispensaries in rural areas to provide widespread access to medical services.
Awolowo’s economic policies included setting up a network of cooperative societies, which led to the creation of the Cooperative Bank and Cooperative College. His commitment to improving the livelihoods of civil servants in Western Nigeria was demonstrated by the fact that they earned higher salaries compared to their counterparts in the Federal Government, a rarity in Nigerian history.
In the decades following his tenure, many of the industries and initiatives that Awolowo put in place have dwindled due to poor management, particularly during the military era, which saw the collapse of giants like Nigeria Textile Mills. Yet, the impact of his leadership is still visible in the economic and infrastructural framework of the region.
Awolowo's vision for a developed Nigeria, had he become president, remains a topic of reflection for many. His ability to plan and execute long-term development strategies remains unmatched by any Nigerian leader, past or present. Despite his absence from the presidency, his contributions have ensured that his name remains synonymous with progress and forward-thinking leadership.
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| With his three children in London 1960. |
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| With his wife Chief H.I.D Awolowo. |
In conclusion, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s contributions laid a solid foundation for the economic and social development of Western Nigeria. His leadership offers lessons for contemporary Nigerian politicians, who would do well to emulate his emphasis on industrialization, education, and sustainable economic policies. Unlike the fleeting empowerment programs we see today, Awolowo’s policies were aimed at creating long-term legacies that could endure well beyond his time in office.
Here’s a breakdown of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s achievements as outlined in the article.
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Chief Obafemi Awolowo (1909-1987) - Achievements:
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1. Establishment of Western Hotels:
Premier Hotel
Lafia Hotels, Ibadan
Lagos Airport Hotel
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2. Creation of the Western Nigeria Development Corporation (WNDC) (1958):
Financing mega corporations and industrial development.
Encouraged plantation development (20,517 acres) with Cooperative societies.
Established 11 additional plantations covering 8,468 acres (Cocoa, Rubber, Oil Palm, Citrus, Cashew, and Coffee).
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| Cocoa house Ibadan. |
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| Africa's first Tv station. |
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3. Industrial Corporations Founded Under WNDC:
WAPCO at Ewekoro (cement production)
Nigerite Ltd (asbestos and roofing sheets)
National Bank
Wema Bank
Nigerian General Insurance
Great Nigeria Insurance
Gravil Enthoven & Co.
Vegetables Oil Ltd
Cocoa Processing Industry, Ogba Ikeja
Odua Textile Mills Ltd
Wrought Iron Ltd
Union Beverages Ltd
Sungass Company
Wemabod Estates (including Western House, the tallest building on Broad Street, Lagos)
Western Livestock
Fisheries Services Ltd
Caxton Press
Epe Plywood
Asakar Paints
Nigeria Crafts and Bags Ltd
Nipol Plastics, Ibadan
Phoenix Motors
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4. Major Industrial Layouts Developed:
Ibadan, Oluyole Industrial Layout
Lagos (Oba Akran Industrial Layout)
Ilupeju, Mushin (over 120 factories)
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5. Additional Companies Established in Industrial Layouts:
Nigeria Textile Mills
West Africa Breweries
Dunlop Tyres
Crittal Hope Aluminum
Tower Aluminium
Solel Boneh
Nidogas
Nigeria Wire and Cables, Ilupeju
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6. Odua Investments:
Largest conglomerate in Nigeria as of 2004, with assets worth over N10 trillion.
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7. Civil Service Reforms:
Paid Western Nigerian civil servants the highest salaries in Nigeria, surpassing Federal Government rates.
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8. Road Construction:
Developed over 2,000 kilometers of road networks using bitumen.
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9. Iconic Infrastructure Projects:
Cocoa House (Tallest building in West Africa for decades)
Liberty Stadium (Most modern in Africa at the time)
Western Nigeria Television & Broadcasting Service (WNTV/WNBS) (First Radio & TV station in Africa)
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10. Healthcare Initiatives:
Established many General Hospitals and rural dispensaries.
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11. Education Reforms:
Introduced free primary education across the Western Region.
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12. Cooperative Development:
Established the Cooperative Bank (1953).
Founded the Cooperative College.
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Conclusion: Chief Obafemi Awolowo's forward-thinking policies and commitment to industrialization, infrastructure, and social services laid the foundation for Western Nigeria’s success. His achievements stand in contrast to many of today’s leaders, whose short-term empowerment programs cannot compare to Awolowo's lasting legacy.